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Hyperosmolar solutions stimulate mucus secretion in the ferret trachea
Chikako Kishioka1, Kosuke Okamoto, Jung-Soo Kim
1Department of Otolaryngology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
Chest
|July 11, 2003
Summary
Hyperosmolar agents like saline and mannitol significantly increase mucus secretion in ferret tracheae. This suggests careful consideration for hyperosmolar aerosol use in patients with mucus hypersecretion.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hypertonic saline and mannitol increase mucociliary clearance.
- Increased clearance is often associated with increased mucus secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that hyperosmolar agents stimulate mucus secretion.
- To determine the dose-dependent effect of hyperosmolar solutions on mucin and lysozyme secretion.
Main Methods:
- Isolated ferret tracheae were used in a laboratory setting.
- Exposure to varying concentrations of hypertonic saline and mannitol solutions.
- Mucin and lysozyme secretion measured using enzyme-linked lectin assay.
Main Results:
- Hyperosmolar saline and mannitol dose-dependently increased mucin secretion.
- Lysozyme secretion also increased with higher concentrations of saline.
- Stimulation occurred only when hyperosmolar exposure was on the luminal side of the epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Hyperosmolarity markedly stimulates mucus secretion, potentially as a protective mechanism.
- Therapeutic use of hyperosmolar aerosols requires careful evaluation in patients with mucus hypersecretion and impaired clearance.